Platelets are the most important blood cells, alongside red blood cells and white blood cells. You may need a platelet count test when doctors suspect that you have a low or high count of platelets. Why do you have to measure your platelets? Will the test serve any valuable objective for safeguarding your health? You can find the answers to these questions by learning more about the test.
First of all, you must know that platelets are important cells as they help in blood clotting. The slightest deviation from the normal count of platelets in your blood could indicate complications in your health. Let us learn more about the platelet test and what you should expect from the test.
Understand the Basics of the Platelet Count Test
The first thing you must know about the platelet test is the purpose of the test. As the name implies, the platelet count aims to measure the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are the blood cells that are created from the cells in the bone marrow. Also known as thrombocytes, platelets come into action when a blood vessel is damaged and help in clotting.
How do platelets help in blood clotting after an injury? Let us assume that you have bruised your leg while riding a bicycle and you have a bleeding wound on your knee. Upon sensing damage to the blood vessels, platelets would mix with the proteins in your blood. The resulting blend is a glue that helps in stopping the bleeding. You can find thousands of platelets in a single drop of blood, which helps in preventing the incessant flow of blood after injuries to blood vessels.
What is the Ideal Time for a Platelet Count Test?
The platelet test is generally recommended as a part of a CBC or Complete Blood Count test. Doctors recommend the platelet test during routine physical examinations. On the other hand, your healthcare provider might ask for the test to check whether your platelet count range is within the specified limits. Remember that you are susceptible to complications when your blood has a high or low amount of platelets.
Dive into the Details of the Platelet Test Procedure
Most of you would be unaware of the preparation and procedure required for a platelet test. It has become one of the most popular tests for evaluating the strength of the immune systems in our bodies. On the other hand, it is also a must-have test for diagnosis of thrombocytopenia or a low count of platelets and a high count of platelets. We shall cover the importance of identifying these conditions later in this blog.
The first stage in the platelet test is all about preparation. Interestingly, you don’t have to follow complicated instructions to prepare for a platelet test. The most you can expect in terms of preparation is the recommendation for fasting before the test. At the same time, you must ask the doctor about other important instructions and whether you should avoid certain medications before the test.
The procedure for platelet count tests involves taking your blood samples, which only requires a few minutes. Trained lab technicians would take the blood sample by selecting a vein near your elbow on the inside of your arm. The lab technician would use a tight band around the upper arm to push blood down into the veins.
Once the lab technician finds a clear view of your vein, they would insert a needle into the vein and draw blood into a collection tube. Finally, the lab technician puts a small bandage on the site from where they draw blood. Doctors may also recommend a blood smear as an additional test. It is useful for determining the shape and size of your blood cells.
Also Read: Types of Preventive Checkup Packages, Importance, Cost in India
What Can You Expect with the Results?
You must learn about the platelet count normal values to know how to evaluate the results of the platelet test. The best thing about the platelet test is that you can find the results within a few hours of collecting the blood sample. On top of that, you don’t have to worry about any complicated risks with the platelet test. It is a completely safe and simple procedure that tells you a lot about your health condition.
The normal adult platelet count range is from 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter. Anything less than 150,000 platelets per microliter qualifies as a low count of platelets, and anything higher than 450,000 platelets per microliter counts as a higher count of platelets. You may experience problems in both cases of deviation in the count of platelets from the normal range. Physiological variations in platelet count shows maybe seen as 5% diurnal variation , ethnic population groups, gender differences, strenous exercise causes increase in platelet count
Take a Look at Problems with Low Platelet Count
If the number of platelets in your blood sample is less than 150,000 per microliter, you are likely to encounter problems with blood clotting. A low count of platelets or thrombocytopenia can indicate different health conditions with varying extent of severity. Some of the health conditions that lead to a low number of platelets include bone marrow damage, enlarged spleen, viral or bacterial infection and heavy alcohol consumption. Patients with a low count of platelets are likely to experience symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, muscle or joint pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, excessive bleeding from small injuries and severe headaches.
Go Through the Issues with High Platelet Count
People with more platelets than the normal range are susceptible to problems due to thrombocytosis or a higher count of platelets. The number of platelets in your blood could increase due to infections, immune system issues and certain types of cancers. In addition, problems with genes responsible for controlling platelet production could also lead to an increase in the number of platelets. The common symptoms of more platelets in the blood include chest pain, stroke, shortness of breath, blood clotting in unwanted situations and swelling of the legs.
Identify the Best Diagnostic Service Provider for Platelet Count Test
The benefits of the platelet count test might seem irrelevant to some people. However, you must know that it is an essential test for monitoring your blood profile during routine physical examination. On the other hand, the platelet test also helps in determining the cause behind certain unexplained symptoms. With the services of a reliable diagnostic service provider such as Agilus Diagnostics, you can find accurate counts of platelets. Learn more about the platelet test and prepare for uncovering some valuable insights about your health right now.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
